The “meet cute” is a trope in romantic comedies that establishes the first time lovers lay eyes on each other, typically in a humorous or unique situation. Sometimes, it is carpooling on a cross-country road trip, and other times it might be saving a love interest from falling off the Titanic. If Hollywood is looking for any more ideas, they would be wise to ask Billy and Peggy Griffin.
The Griffins first met almost 80 years ago as children at the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, NC. In August, the residents of the Cary, NC, retirement community Templeton at Cary will celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary.
“We met probably on his first day there. I heard there was a new boy on campus, and I noticed him really quickly. At 10 years old, I was at the age where I took notice,” Peggy said. “He was the cutest boy on campus. The main thing was that I never thought I’d have a chance, because all the girls liked him. Turns out, I did have a chance after all.”
It is safe to say she was right. Today, the couple shares two children, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren together.
Their secret to a long and healthy marriage? They have been looking out for each other since their days at the orphanage.
“We like to be close to one another. We get teased for always holding hands,” Peggy said. “I feel safe. I need his strength. I need to know he’s always close by. We like to be with each other and do things together.”
At Templeton, the couple stays involved in numerous activities and classes on campus. They even boast a competitive cornhole rivalry, with Peggy recently claiming the “title” from Billy. But after more than six decades, it is clear they are much more effective working as a team.
“Our wedding vows said ‘in sickness and in health,’ and that I’d be his partner in truth. And he’s so darned easy to love and cherish. He’s kind and good, and that has never changed,” Peggy said. “He’s a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. He’s kind to everyone he meets. He’s a good person, and I’m very blessed.”
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